19 六月

Hi!

I've finally created my first blog entry!    Ill give a quick recap of the weekend

BRIEFING: The last few days,  ive been staying in California at one of the universities for briefing. Briefing is basically one weekend where all the mission teams come together and train and prepare for their trips.     On Friday, the leaders and I met up to discuss some last minute details for our trip.   Saturday through Monday, I met all the students and did a lot of team-building exercises, established team-norms, ways of communication, training stuff and traveling informations and much more.  Its been so much fun getting to know them and already we’ve created a bond and many inside jokes ^^

I guess unto personals.  Ive come to this mission trip with a lot of excitement and zeal but Ive also realized, through this briefing, that ive brought with me a lot of unwanted baggage.  Its just a lot of wounds and hurt that ive received from individuals this past year and Ive hauled it along with me.   I noticed that it has affected my view, communication and trust with my fellow co-leaders. 

In one meeting,  one of the staff members gave this verse and it really affected me.  2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes  of Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

I realized that this baggage has also affected my relationship with God.  I pray that the Lord brings to me more awareness any area in my life that is holding me back from being completely and totally His.  Im scared to know what else he will reveal..lol

 FLIGHT UPDATE:  I was informed that there is typhoon going on in Japan. The pilot may need to take a different route or have a delay.  Im not sure what will happen, but pray that we will have an uneventful landing!

MOOD: Iam so excited, yet really nervous and anxious.   Why??  I think its more of going to unknown territory and having to stay strong for the students.   I have this complex that they can’t see me vulnerable or discouraged, i have to be strong for them.     But one of the leaders told me that she felt the same way.   She encouraged me to think differently,  that it’ll be good to show the students my vulnerability.  It’ll show that im still human and still have the ability to encourage them and together fight the good fight ^^

ive also been discouraged how “difficult” it is to minister to the japanese people.   In one of my devotionals, God gave me these verses:

Deuteronomy 31:8:  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Isaiah 45:2: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron

Such great encouragement that the Lord is going before us and paving the way.   The victory is not in me, but in the Lord alone.

Anyway, Im leaving in a few hours.   AHHHHHH!!!   I’ll talk to you all again soon!